Michael P. Kitt
Question:55 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position regarding the ratification of the chemical weapons convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5185/96]
Written Answers. - Chemical Weapons Convention.
In line with our established policy of supporting comprehensive multilateral disarmament measures, Ireland was an original signatory of the Chemical Weapons Convention, which was opened for signature in January 1993. The Government fully intends to ratify the convention and is actively taking the steps necessary to enable Ireland do so at the earliest possible time.
The convention will enter into force 180 days after the deposit of the 65th instrument of ratification. To date, 48 States have ratified the convention and the progress of others is expected to permit entry into force before the end of 1996. As ratification of the convention by all EU member states is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the Single Market in the chemicals sector, all partners are strongly committed to being among the 65 States whose ratification triggers the entry into force of the convention. The European Council in Madrid on 15-16 December 1995 reiterated the Union's wish that all its member states should ratify the convention at the earliest opportunity.
The Chemical Weapons convention contains the most comprehensive and rigorous verification measures ever developed in a multilateral arms control agreement. Although Ireland has never possessed chemical weapons or facilities for their production, we have a significant chemical and pharmaceutical industry which may be using chemicals controlled by the convention. My Department, therefore, conducted interdepartmental consultations over a 12 months' period from mid-1994 to inform other Departments of the implications of the convention and to identify their involvement in the steps required for Ireland to implement the convention, including the need for legislation.
At my initiative, the Government has authorised the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, who has primary responsibility for the chemical industry in Ireland, in consultation with other Ministers as appropriate, to examine and prepare such legislation as might be necessary to enable Ireland to implement its obligations under the convention. This work is in hand. The Government has also authorised the Minister for Enterprise and Employment, in consultation with other Ministers as appropriate, to arrange for the necessary steps to be taken with respect to inspections and declarations and it has designated the Department of Enterprise and Employment as the National Authority or national focal point for liaison with the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) which will undertake the verification activities of the convention. For my part, I will continue to facilitate the rapid advance of the ratification process in any way that is open to me or to my Department.